MSW MSW Master of Social Work Diversity and Social Justice Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which theoretical framework examines how overlapping social identities such as race, gender, and class create unique experiences of oppression?
- Intersectionality theory (Correct answer)
- Systems theory
- Psychodynamic theory
- Behavioral theory
Correct answer: Intersectionality theory
Intersectionality, developed by Kimberlé Crenshaw, analyzes how multiple social identities intersect to produce compounded experiences of discrimination and privilege.
Question 2: A social worker discovers that a community mental health center has significantly longer wait times for Spanish-speaking clients compared to English-speaking clients. What is the MOST appropriate first step?
- Ignore the disparity as a resource issue
- Collect and present data on the disparity to agency leadership (Correct answer)
- Refer Spanish-speaking clients to other agencies
- Ask bilingual staff to volunteer extra hours
Correct answer: Collect and present data on the disparity to agency leadership
Documenting and presenting evidence of disparities to decision-makers is the ethical first step toward systemic change within an organization.
Question 3: What does the NASW Code of Ethics specifically require regarding cultural competence?
- Social workers should obtain certification in diversity training
- Social workers should seek education about and understanding of the nature of social diversity and oppression (Correct answer)
- Social workers should only serve clients from their own cultural background
- Social workers should apply universal treatment approaches regardless of culture
Correct answer: Social workers should seek education about and understanding of the nature of social diversity and oppression
The NASW Code of Ethics mandates that social workers pursue ongoing education about social diversity and the nature of oppression related to race, ethnicity, and other factors.
Question 4: Which term describes the process by which dominant cultural norms are imposed on marginalized groups through institutional policies and practices?
- Cultural assimilation
- Structural racism
- Cultural imperialism (Correct answer)
- Ethnocentrism
Correct answer: Cultural imperialism
Cultural imperialism occurs when dominant group values and norms are established as the standard within institutions, marginalizing other cultural expressions.
Question 5: A social worker is facilitating a support group for LGBTQ+ youth and learns that a transgender participant is being denied access to appropriate bathroom facilities at school. What advocacy approach aligns BEST with social justice principles?
- Advise the youth to use the bathroom matching their sex assigned at birth to avoid conflict
- Work with the school administration to implement inclusive bathroom policies (Correct answer)
- Tell the participant to transfer to a more accepting school
- Focus only on the participant's emotional response in group sessions
Correct answer: Work with the school administration to implement inclusive bathroom policies
Advocating for inclusive institutional policies directly addresses the systemic barrier and aligns with the social work commitment to challenging discrimination.
Question 6: Which concept refers to the unearned advantages that members of dominant social groups receive simply by belonging to that group?
- Meritocracy
- Social capital
- Privilege (Correct answer)
- Implicit bias
Correct answer: Privilege
Privilege refers to unearned societal advantages conferred to individuals based on their membership in dominant identity groups, as described by Peggy McIntosh and others.
MSW MSW Master of Social Work Diversity and Social Justice Questions and Answers 2
Which theoretical framework examines how overlapping social identities such as race, gender, and class create unique experiences of oppression?